With summer upon us, many ERA members look forward to traveling for business and leisure. Many are now preparing for The Electronic HomeShopping Conference (EHSC) 2013. Presented by ERA Europe, the annual conference will take place in Rome, Italy, June 23–25 and attract nearly 400 representatives from more than 45 countries.

For those who have never attended this event (and especially those considering expansion into international markets), I recommend doing so this year. There will be ample opportunities to network with key decision-makers who represent leading DR companies in the global market. In addition, the conference offers an education program that will challenge your thinking with topics such as “The Future of Home Shopping,” “The Home Shopping Triple Convergence Model: TV-Internet-Social Media,” and (with a nod to this year’s location) “Home Shopping in Italy: Coming to Age for Growth.”

The new venue is not the only change for this year’s EHSC; there has also been a change in leadership at ERA Europe. In March, Marcel Avargues stepped down from his position as executive director. Marcel was instrumental in the formation of ERA Europe and has helped lead its growth as a membership, advocacy, and networking entity for more than 12 years. On behalf of the ERA membership and staff, I would like to thank Marcel for his dedicated service.

Dr. Julian Oberndörfer will step into the executive director role, effective July 1. Julian recently served as the 2012-2013 chairman of ERA Europe’s Board of Directors, and joins the association staff from Home Shopping Europe (HSE) GmbH, where he served as vice president of media law, media politics, and network development, and head of country management for Austria and Switzerland. Given his vast experience at HSE and his leadership on the Board, Julian will be a terrific leader of ERA Europe and an asset to the entire ERA family.

“Stepping into this new position is an exciting step forward,” Oberndörfer says. “Having been part of the European board for six years, I now have the chance to form and develop the organization from the inside.”

EHSC, The Great Ideas Summit, and the D2C Convention reflect the international nature of ERA and the industry, and help forge ties across borders. Only through your participation and attendance at these yearly industry events can ERA create more value-added member benefits and provide the vital resources that can help you—our members—enhance your business opportunities worldwide. I look forward to seeing you this month in Rome and in Las Vegas in September!

Subscribe for tips on how to grow your direct response marketing business!

Search

Follow Us

Editorial Disclaimer

The statements, opinions, and advertisements expressed on the ERA Blog and other online entities owned by the Electronic Retailing Association are those of individual authors and companies and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Electronic Retailing Association.